Author Topic: I have a couple of questions about a flash drive (Read 7700 times)

JackCatalano · « **on:** June 25, 2016, 10:30:02 PM »

I just bought a SanDisk Cruzer Edge USB Flash Drive that has 8 GB on it. Now, I have a Polaroid 9 inch tablet. What I would like to know is this OK to have if I want to save files on my tablet? I don't seem to see a place where I could put the flash drive. Did I buy the wrong thing?

What is the right thing to buy?

Salmon Trout · « **Reply #1 on:** June 26, 2016, 04:30:44 AM »

Does the tablet have a USB socket anywhere?

strollin · « **Reply #2 on:** June 26, 2016, 06:26:15 AM »

On many tablets, the micro USB port can be used for both power/charging and data transfer. In order to use your USB flash drive with the micro USB port you will need an adapter cable. The adapter cable you need is referred to as an OTG (On The GO) cable. Another option would be to return the flash drive you got and purchase a flash drive with the OTG adapter built-in that will plug directly into your tablet.

Here's an example of a flash drive with built-in OTG: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/pny-duo-link-otg-16gb-usb-2-0-micro-usb-flash-drive-black-blue/6049005.p?id=1219184620331&skuId=6049005&lsft=ref:212,loc:1&ksid=75aa9556-f0d7-4fc4-9da8-933e7ea24596&ksprof_id=8&ksaffcode=pg14&ksdevice=c&ref=212&loc=1

JackCatalano · « **Reply #3 on:** June 26, 2016, 07:45:02 AM »

So basically, I should return the flashdrive and get a micro SD card? There is a place for an SD card on my tablet. Is a SD card the same as a flash drive?

SuperDave · « **Reply #4 on:** June 26, 2016, 12:11:02 PM »

On my tablet I can use the same cord that I use to re-charge the tablet to do the transfers. It has a USB adapter on the other end.

JackCatalano · « **Reply #5 on:** June 26, 2016, 12:24:34 PM »

My recharger just has a plug where I recharge the tablet. I don't have a USB or flashdrive component on the tablet just a compartment for SD card.

Salmon Trout · « **Reply #6 on:** June 26, 2016, 01:02:47 PM »

Quote from: JackCatalano on June 26, 2016, 07:45:02 AM

Is a SD card the same as a flash drive?

An SD card has the same stuff inside as a flash drive, and works the same way, it's just much smaller.

SD card

Flash drive

strollin · « **Reply #7 on:** June 27, 2016, 07:41:23 AM »

Quote from: JackCatalano on June 26, 2016, 07:45:02 AM

So basically, I should return the flashdrive and get a micro SD card? There is a place for an SD card on my tablet. Is a SD card the same as a flash drive?

How did you come to that conclusion? In my post, I didn't mention an SD card at all. I gave you 2 options, neither of which had anything to do with an SD card. Option 1 was to get an OTG adapter cable. Option 2 was to return the flash drive you got and purchase an OTG ready flash drive.

You could use the tiny Micro SD card to transfer files back and forth but typically a micro SD card is installed semi-permanently and used for extra storage for data.

Salmon Trout · « **Reply #8 on:** June 27, 2016, 09:43:46 AM »

Are we sure that tablet supports USB on-the-go?

JackCatalano · « **Reply #9 on:** June 27, 2016, 01:20:15 PM »

So I returned the flash drive and got an SD card. It's compatible with the tablet but I don't know how to download anything to the card. How does that work?

patio · « **Reply #10 on:** June 27, 2016, 01:27:44 PM »

It should show up as a second drive...

JackCatalano · « **Reply #11 on:** June 27, 2016, 02:13:57 PM »

OK, I'm confused. Second drive where? If I try to download something will the SD card show up and I can download it to the SD card?

JackCatalano · « **Reply #12 on:** June 27, 2016, 08:08:47 PM »

I have a 16 GB SD Card. Btw, I don't see anything on my tablet pretaining to an SD Card except when I go into Settings and then click on storage and see how much space my SD Card has.

Aegis · « **Reply #13 on:** June 28, 2016, 01:51:29 AM »

OK, Jack, that's good. You are close, now that you are looking in Storage. There should be entries for an Internal SD card, which is how most Android systems refer to the memory that's built into the tablet. There should also be, if the microSD card is installed, an entry for External Storage. It will show the capacity (or close to it) of the physical microSD card you installed.

JackCatalano · « **Reply #14 on:** June 28, 2016, 07:31:30 AM »

Yes, I see the space available for the SD card. The problem is how do I download something to the SD card? How do I know if it's downloaded to the SD card?

patio · « **Reply #15 on:** June 28, 2016, 07:48:21 AM »

You should be able to set your browser to DLoad to the new card in browser Tools/Options.

JackCatalano · « **Reply #16 on:** June 28, 2016, 07:55:57 AM »

There isn't a tools/ options on my tablet that I can see. Where is it?

patio · « **Reply #17 on:** June 28, 2016, 08:25:11 AM »

In the browser.

BC_Programmer · « **Reply #18 on:** June 28, 2016, 08:25:57 AM »

Patio, the Polaroid Tablet runs Android, so there will not be drive letters and most browsers don't allow customization of download locations. (That I can find).

There should be a "File Explorer" App somewhere that you can use to browse the tablet's file system. I'm not an Android expert myself but I believe you will find the sdcard at the very root in an sdcard "folder".

Actually copying files I don't know. Maybe somebody else can chime in with some Android-specific information. My own android device (Nexus 6) doesn't support an SDCard, or I'd experiment.

This article Might be some help.

patio · « **Reply #19 on:** June 28, 2016, 10:08:56 AM »

Thanx for the clarification BC...i'm out of the loop as far as Android devices and i should have waited or checked for an Android Helper to stroll by.

JackCatalano · « **Reply #20 on:** June 28, 2016, 12:43:26 PM »

I downloaded a file explorer app and I think I works but im not sure.

Geek-9pm · « **Reply #21 on:** June 28, 2016, 02:04:22 PM »

A large number of Android Apps on found on Google Play Store. The quality varies
One of many is called "File Manager". [What a clever name.

]

Quote

File Manager helps you manage all your files efficiently! With an intuitive interface, File Manager allows you to handle any file or folder whether they are stored in your device, microSD card, or cloud storage accounts.
With File Manager you can easily copy, move, rename, delete, find, share, explore, compress, and otherwise organize all of your files on any of your storages.
More storage options, also with Clouds: Supports multiple cloud storage accounts such as Dropbox and Google Drive, all from a single app. Also explore your external storages like microSD cards and USB OTG drives (if supported).
Save disk space by compressing files: Compress files to save space on your storage and extract compressed files in Zip, RAR, Tar, Tar.gz, Tgz, Tar.bz2, and Tbz formats. ...

You should enter the Play Store with you android and sign in. You have a hard time getting a free App if you do not sign in.

Salmon Trout · « **Reply #22 on:** June 28, 2016, 02:07:33 PM »

I use one called Total Commander. I have to say that for many people trying to replace a Windows computer with an Android tablet, there may be quite a steep learning curve. But effort is rewarded.

JackCatalano · « **Reply #23 on:** June 28, 2016, 02:47:15 PM »

Mine is called ES File Manager. The problem I have is that I don't think I'm saving my files. In other words, instead of my files being saved to the SD card, it's not. It's being saved in the Misc. Part of Internal storage. That stinks because the more stuff I download the more I use up my internal storage.

What I want is to save stuff to the SD Card instead of the Misc. part of Internal storage. What I'd like to know is how to do that?

Aegis · « **Reply #24 on:** June 28, 2016, 03:42:35 PM »

Jack: Gotcha.
Does the tablet have File Manager software on it? Some tablets come with a File Manager installed. If not, you may have to download a file manager from the Play store. See if your tablet has it, first. I'm going from memory, here, since my tablet is...umm...temporarily misplaced.

Bear with me. I am going to go look at some general information on File Manager apps.

Aegis · « **Reply #25 on:** June 28, 2016, 04:02:41 PM »

http://www.tomsguide.com/us/pictures-story/518-best-android-file-managers.html

Not a bad little overview of some different file manager apps.

i have used ES File Manager in the past, but recently read an article that suggests that ES File Manager is among one of the offender apps that "leaks" or gives away personal information. Because my advice on here tends to be more conservative/careful, I'm going to point you to Total Commander or X-Plore, both of which are free.

(If anyone cares to credibly dispute my statement on ES File Manager, that's fine. I am not going to recommend it until I know otherwise.)

JackCatalano · « **Reply #26 on:** June 28, 2016, 04:23:52 PM »

It didn't come with any file manager app. I had to go to the app store to download it. So, should I drop the ES File Manager and go to something else?

Aegis · « **Reply #27 on:** June 28, 2016, 04:31:34 PM »

Jack, I wouldn't worry about it. I did like the ES File Manager when I had it on my other tablet. There are all kinds of good reviews, and I can't seem to find that article which "knocked" ES.

Now, if someone more experienced, on Computer Hope, tells you otherwise, then you might consider changing.

Have you been able to figure out the app?

patio · « **Reply #28 on:** June 28, 2016, 04:37:50 PM »

Total Commander is a great tool...

I liken it to XTRee Gold from back in the day...

JackCatalano · « **Reply #29 on:** June 28, 2016, 04:45:19 PM »

Quote from: Aegis on June 28, 2016, 04:31:34 PM

Jack, I wouldn't worry about it. I did like the ES File Manager when I had it on my other tablet. There are all kinds of good reviews, and I can't seem to find that article which "knocked" ES.

Now, if someone more experienced, on Computer Hope, tells you otherwise, then you might consider changing.

Have you been able to figure out the app?

Not sure. I downloaded X -Plore. I have to see if it's working.

Salmon Trout · « **Reply #30 on:** June 29, 2016, 02:05:27 AM »

Quote from: patio on June 28, 2016, 04:37:50 PM

Total Commander is a great tool...

I liken it to XTRee Gold from back in the day...

Yes, that's why I like it. It comes with a pretty good media player and a text editor, and all the common file-explorer tasks like copy, paste, move are easy to master. I have used the similar Midnight Commander on Linux for years.

Salmon Trout · « **Reply #31 on:** June 29, 2016, 02:06:50 AM »

Quote from: JackCatalano on June 28, 2016, 04:23:52 PM

It didn't come with any file manager app. I had to go to the app store to download it. So, should I drop the ES File Manager and go to something else?

Android file managers/explorers are much of a muchness. if you like ES you may as well stick with it.

JackCatalano · « **Reply #32 on:** June 29, 2016, 08:50:01 AM »

I did download X- Plore. I would like to know if I'm downloading my files right or not. In other words, instead of my files being saved to the SD card, it's not. It's being saved in the Misc. Part of Internal storage. That stinks because the more stuff I download the more I use up my internal storage.

What I want is to save stuff to the SD Card instead of the Misc. part of Internal storage. What I'd like to know is how to do that?

JackCatalano · « **Reply #33 on:** June 29, 2016, 06:38:46 PM »

So what should I do? I'm still more confused than anything else.

When I click on storage, there's the SD card but it doesn't show my files saved to the SD card. How do I do that?

JackCatalano · « **Reply #34 on:** June 30, 2016, 08:18:02 AM »

Quote from: Aegis on June 28, 2016, 03:42:35 PM

Jack: Gotcha.
Does the tablet have File Manager software on it? Some tablets come with a File Manager installed. If not, you may have to download a file manager from the Play store. See if your tablet has it, first. I'm going from memory, here, since my tablet is...umm...temporarily misplaced.

Bear with me. I am going to go look at some general information on File Manager apps.

Re: I have a couple of questions about a flash drive
« Reply #32 on: June 29, 2016, 08:50:01 AM »
Quote
I did download X- Plore. I would like to know if I'm downloading my files right or not. In other words, instead of my files being saved to the SD card, it's not. It's being saved in the Misc. Part of Internal storage. That stinks because the more stuff I download the more I use up my internal storage.

What I want is to save stuff to the SD Card instead of the Misc. part of Internal storage. What I'd like to know is how to do that?

patio · « **Reply #35 on:** June 30, 2016, 08:36:38 AM »

http://forums.androidcentral.com/android-apps/675078-x-plore-file-manager-lots-help-needed.html

JackCatalano · « **Reply #36 on:** June 30, 2016, 12:22:47 PM »

Thank you for the link. Can't my questions be answered at this site instead of the site that you linked?

BC_Programmer · « **Reply #37 on:** June 30, 2016, 12:44:46 PM »

Quote from: JackCatalano on June 30, 2016, 12:22:47 PM

Thank you for the link. Can't my questions be answered at this site instead of the site that you linked?

I'm sure many users here are experienced with Android as users, but the number of us that are experienced at providing support for Android devices is probably far less.

For example I did write a post previously where I basically took my Nexus 6 and laid out the steps of how I got to what I think is the emulated SD Card.

I didn't post it, however, because I realized I had no idea what I was talking about! A Nexus 6 is NOT a Polaroid Tablet, after all, as the Android versions will be significantly different, and steps where I explain how I bumble through changing a download folder will likely just confuse further as I'll likely be referencing elements that don't even exist on yours. Mine doesn't even have an SD Card slot so I would only be presenting it hoping it actually helps.

The main problem is that it sounds like you need specific instructions, which because of the nature of the Android ecosystem, is rather difficult to do unless somebody has the exact same device.

JackCatalano · « **Reply #38 on:** June 30, 2016, 06:14:07 PM »

I signed up with the link that was given to me. The thing I have to wait for the mod to approve my post.

JackCatalano · « **Reply #39 on:** July 10, 2016, 10:43:23 AM »

Ok, can someone help me? I signed up to the website that was linked for me and nobody has responded. Is there another site that you can steer me too? Or can anybody help me on here.

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Author Topic: I have a couple of questions about a flash drive (Read 7700 times)

JackCatalano

Salmon Trout

strollin

JackCatalano

SuperDave

JackCatalano

Salmon Trout

strollin

Salmon Trout

JackCatalano

patio

JackCatalano

JackCatalano

Aegis

JackCatalano

patio

JackCatalano

patio

BC_Programmer

patio

JackCatalano

Geek-9pm

Salmon Trout

JackCatalano

Aegis

Aegis

JackCatalano

Aegis

patio

JackCatalano

Salmon Trout

Salmon Trout

JackCatalano

JackCatalano

JackCatalano

patio

JackCatalano

BC_Programmer

JackCatalano

JackCatalano